5:47 pm - March 24, 2026
The Trump administration has determined that San Jose State University violated federal gender equity law by allowing a transgender athlete to participate on the women’s volleyball team, according to an announcement from the U.S. Education Department on Wednesday. The department concluded that the California university discriminated against women and has proposed a resolution agreement that includes accepting the administration’s definitions of sex, restoring athletic records, and issuing formal apologies to female athletes.
The university stated that officials are reviewing the proposal while maintaining their commitment to providing a safe and inclusive educational environment for all students. However, the stakes are high, as rejecting the deal could result in a Justice Department lawsuit and potential loss of federal funding for the institution.
Trump Administration Targets Transgender Athletes in College Sports
Department officials concluded that San Jose State violated Title IX, the landmark 1972 gender equity law, through two primary actions. According to the Education Department, the university both allowed a transgender athlete on the team and allegedly retaliated against players who objected to the decision.
Kimberly Richey, assistant secretary for civil rights at the Education Department, emphasized the administration’s determination in a statement. “We will not relent until SJSU is held to account for these abuses and commits to upholding Title IX to protect future athletes from the same indignities,” Richey said.
Investigation Part of Broader Federal Enforcement
The investigation into San Jose State was opened in February alongside a parallel inquiry at the University of Pennsylvania. The Education Department has taken action against multiple states, schools, and colleges that permit transgender athletes to compete, fulfilling President Donald Trump’s campaign promise to end such policies.
Penn recently agreed to a similar deal with federal authorities, modifying school records previously set by transgender swimmer Lia Thomas and apologizing to other members of the swim team. The settlement at Penn established a template that the administration is now applying to other institutions.
Controversy Surrounding Women’s Volleyball Team
San Jose State’s volleyball team became a focal point of national debate after nine student athletes in the Mountain West Conference filed a lawsuit challenging league policies that allow transgender athletes to compete. The plaintiffs argued that permitting transgender athletes in women’s sports creates unfair competition and poses safety risks to other players.
Additionally, several teams refused to compete against San Jose State throughout the season, accepting forfeit losses rather than playing against the team. The controversy significantly impacted the team’s season and sparked widespread discussion about transgender participation in collegiate athletics.
Meanwhile, San Jose State has not officially confirmed that its volleyball team included a transgender player. University officials have maintained privacy regarding individual student athletes while navigating the complex intersection of federal regulations, state law, and institutional policies.
Proposed Settlement Terms
Under the terms of the proposed agreement, San Jose State would be required to accept the Trump administration’s definitions of “male” and “female” for athletic purposes. The university would also need to restore titles and records that federal officials claim were “misappropriated by male athletes,” fundamentally altering how the institution classifies athletic achievements.
The settlement would require San Jose State to send personalized apologies to every woman who played on the women’s indoor volleyball team from 2022 through 2024 and on the 2023 beach volleyball team. In contrast to typical administrative resolutions, the university would also need to apologize to any woman who forfeited rather than play against San Jose State.
The university has not indicated when it will make a final decision regarding the proposed settlement. Federal authorities have not specified a deadline for San Jose State’s response, though the threat of litigation and funding cuts adds urgency to the deliberations.
